Disconnector Differential Coupling for 2WD/4WD Power Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is no existing device that integrates a disconnector function and a limited slip differential function, which are necessary for efficiently switching power between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and for limiting differential rotational resistance between driving wheels.
Innovation Solution
A disconnector apparatus with a limited slip differential function is developed, which includes a casing, pressure rings with dog portions, a clutch ring, and friction members. When a rotational resistance difference occurs between driving wheels, the apparatus applies frictional forces to the side gears through the friction members, limiting differential rotation and enabling power switching between two-wheel and four-wheel drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction members are added to implement limited slip differential function, then differential limitation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure rings serve as intermediary components between the clutch ring's dog portions and the friction members. The pressure rings receive engagement forces from the dog portions and transmit them to compress the friction members against the side gears, enabling differential limitation. This intermediary structure allows the friction members to be integrated into the existing disconnector mechanism without requiring direct complex connections between the clutch ring and friction members.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch ring moves in meshing direction to engage dog portions, then four-wheel drive implementation is achieved, but the precision of meshing engagement requires high manufacturing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into discrete dog portions on the clutch ring and corresponding dog portions on the pressure rings. This segmentation allows for simplified geometric shapes that are easier to manufacture with standard tolerances compared to continuous circular meshing surfaces. The dog portions engage in a straightforward插接 manner that reduces the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring reliable power transmission for four-wheel drive operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively switches power between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, limits differential rotation to improve traction, and enhances electric power economy and traveling stability, especially during high-speed turns.
Implementation Method 1
the two opposite friction members may be coupled to outer sides of the two opposite side gears... frictional forces of the two opposite friction members may be applied to the two opposite side gears, such that a limited differential state is implemented
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnector apparatus with a limited slip differential function includes a casing, first and second pressure rings provided at two opposite sides while opposing each other at an interval in the casing and having first dog portions provided on outer-diameter portions thereof, and a clutch ring coupled to an outer-diameter portion of the casing and connected to a sleeve configured to be operated by an operation of an actuator device, in which the clutch ring moves in a meshing direction when the sleeve is operated by the actuator device, such that second dog portions provided on an inner-diameter portion of one end positioned in the casing mesh with first dog portions of the first and second pressure rings, such that four-wheel drive is implemented.